During the holidays, there’s a bit of Mrs. Claus in us all. Whether we’re decorating the tree , hanging the wreath, or decorating the mantel, we keep thinking about how to make everything run like clockwork to ensure everyone has a wonderful time. While Santa relies on elves, Mrs. Claus goes her own way. At the top of her list (which she checks more than twice) are haute holiday helpers-–accent furniture pieces that add function and flair to every room in the house.

Dress up the hallway, guest bedroom or master bath with the chic Sanctuary Fretwork chest and gain valuable storage space at the same time. Photo: Hooker Furniture.

The Chevron Console adds texture and warmth as well as storage. Photo: Hooker Furniture

Sized right for foyers, theChevron Consolecreates a stylish first impression with doors crafted of birch, pine and oak veneer planks that are fitted together in a classic menswear pattern.

Because they’re graduated in size, the Sanctuary Nest of Tables can be place one over the other so they take up little storage space. Photo: Hooker Furniture

The Sanctuary Nest of Tablesare ultra-versatile, working either as a group or as stand-alone accents. They create architectural interest and can be placed in a variety of configurations, all while providing table space that grows as your gathering does.

Behind the showstopper doors of the Melange Star Power console are very practical design elements — two adjustable shelves and a three-plug outlet. Photo: Hooker Furniture

Aptly named, the Melange Star Power consoledemands the spotlight with doors in a shimmery eglomise finish (French for “gilded glass”) of luminous silver leaf; each topped with an oversized, modernist star motif.

At just 17″ and 25 pounds, the Acacia round slab table is a chic, yet sturdy, perch for party drinks. (be they eggnog or something a tad stronger) Photo: Hooker Furniture

With its cast-iron branch base and thick natural wood carved top, the Acacia round slab tableis a chic, yet sturdy, perch for party drinks (be they eggnog or something a tad stronger).

The holidays are coming. So are your guests. Haute holiday helpers like these will make everyone feel stylishly welcome and comfy.

An elegant, inviting Thanksgiving table prepared for dinner with family and friends.

Each year as soon I put the kids’ Halloween costumes away, I start planning the Thanksgiving holiday with my family. Discussions inevitably start with meal planning and menus, and then progress to travel plans and entertaining.

With multiple generations coming together from around the country, we have different ideas on recipes–some prefer traditional fare, while others want to try the newest gourmet twist–and so we hash through ideas to blend everyone’s idea of the perfect Thanksgiving meal. Photo: traditionalhome.com

We swap ideas, share recipes and work together until we create a menu that appeals to everyone’s preferences. Then we debate what time the meal will be served, and whether the kids eat with the adults or at their own table. And we compromise. A lot.

Everyone in my family has a different idea of the perfect Thanksgiving menu, yet we all agree on traditional mashed potatoes. Photo: traditionalhome.com

The one thing I’m not open to compromising on is comfort. Whether they’re here for a few hours or several days, I want my family and guests to be comfortable in my home. This means extra seating, comfy dining chairs, and an inviting guest room.

Multipurpose ottomans like this one can be used as an ottoman throughout the year, and then provide extra seating for big holiday gatherings. Photo: Hooker Furniture.

If you’re short on space, put a pair of these Dowdy Round Cocktail Ottomansat the table behind your sofa, in your front entry or at the end of your bed.

The Lu Lu Ottoman from Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture is perfect extra seating in the living room and at the dining table for holiday gatherings. Photo: Hooker Furniture.

I think the Auberose Host Chair is the perfect choice for extra seating at the dining table. Its upholstered style complements nearly any style of existing chair and its timeless look means it won’t soon feel out of date. Throughout the year, it could work equally well at a desk or with as a pair flanking a sideboard.

When I picture the ultimate guest room, the Sunset Point Collection comes to mind. Photo: Hooker Furniture.

I love theSunset Point Fretwork Panel Bed, and the soft beachy finishes. It has an everyday elegance that looks comfortable and welcoming—perfect for guests. Honestly though, I’m not sure this would ever make it to the guest room…I admit I’d probably keep it for my master bedroom and move my bed to the extra room.

Extra serving space is always an issue during the holidays. I love the refined look of the Soiree Sideboard from Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture. It’s a personality piece that is as fashionable as it is functional.

I love searching magazines and Pinterest for new tablescape ideas for Thanksgiving.

To me, the best part of the holidays, both Thanksgiving and Christmas, is the opportunity to give thanks for the blessings I have. A little compromise on the menu and the time it’s served is a small price to pay for time with my family.

A beautiful, comfortable bedroom pampers YOU like you pamper everyone else and provides a restful reprieve as the busy holiday season approaches. Photo: Hooker Furniture.

The holidays are joyful, but let’s face it: The run-up to them seems to double our endless to-do list. Personally, I find it much easier to stay sweet-tempered and get things done when I can escape now and then without leaving home.

At home, I love to indulge my love of blingy accents and graceful curves. When I see something sparkly and beautiful like these Sanctuary nesting tables, I have to admit I get a jolt of energy! Photo: Hooker Furniture

Sanctuaryis a pampering, nurturing collection that balances glam touches such as mirrored or metallic accents with calm, natural elements. To me, that’s modern.

It’s true: we’re willing to get out there and give it our all, not just during the holidays but throughout every multi-tasking season. All we need is a little sanctuary at home. Well, maybe that, an extra cup of coffee and a great pair of shoes–no cape required!

Here’s a tour of some of the serene furniture pieces that might bring you calm and delight:

Admit it: Curlicue scrolls and silver leaf finish makes this a fairytale bed you’ve wanted all your life. And the silver leaf is balanced by neutral, woven-textured upholstery that keeps the look cool and sophisticated. Photo: Hooker Furniture

Can a storage console be a piece of art? Clearly, yes. This Sanctuary credenza combines wood in ebony and soft metallic gold finishes with antique mirror surfaces for a look that’s dramatic but organic. Photo: Hooker Furniture

TheSanctuary Mirrored Credenzais a focal point no matter where or how you use it. To extend the look, accessorize with ancient motifs and shapes that are classic and cool. I could see this in thedining room, the front hall, the home officeor wherever you have stuff to stash but want the look to be elegant.

Feeding people is a big part of the holidays, but just like your favorite recipes, the dining room can use some refreshing now and then. Photo: Hooker Furniture.

A dining table like theSanctuary Refectory Tableelevates every meal to a special occasion and makes holiday dining even more inviting and memorable.

A beautifully shaped mirror may be the easiest way to bring light and a sense of well-being into a room. Photo: Hooker Furniture

Here’s looking at you. A beautifully-scaled mirror may be the easiest way to bring light and drama to a room. TheSanctuary accent mirrorabove, and theSanctuary shaped mirror, below, have architectural interest that is especially distinctive.

The shaped mirror evokes Moorish tiles, and the accent mirror seems inspired by a medieval cathedral floor plan. Both are timeless and romantic, but very fresh.

Coffee tables need to work hard and look good, whether you have a lot of room or a little. This one has a helpful lower shelf, a feature that adds lots of open (but unobtrusive) storage.

The subtly curved legs of theSanctuary mirrored coffee tableadd a graceful note and can help lighten the look of a room that might feel weighted with upholstered seating and wall storage. The antiqued mirror tabletop is a fresh and glamorous surprise.

A comfortable chair doesn’t have to be chunky-looking. This generously-scaled chair has a lighter look, thanks to simple saber legs and a modernized wing back that seems almost sculptural. A ribbon of silvery nailheads trace the graceful shape for a subtle bit of gleam.

In the bedroom, living room or anywhere, the Paris Accent Chair is a welcome addition.

Sometimes, you just feel better with everyone cuddled up nearby while you escape into a movie. A home theater group like this is eye-catching even when the TV is off, thanks to lighted display shelves for your favorite photos and personal treasures.